When describing the City of Calgary many people think of diversity. As with any city, diversity is an important aspect of the way society functions and is reflected in those who represent communities. The 2021 General Election, taking place on October 18 in Calgary has a diverse range of candidates running for councillor around the city. But, what is diversity and why is it important to the citizens of Calgary? Gurbir Nijjar, running for ward 3 councillor, describes diversity as a tool that offers “alternative perspectives, despises stereotypes and biases, it brings with it creativity, inclusivity and opportunity.”. Diversity allows every person, no matter how they look, to see themselves within our leaders, however it is so much more than that. Diverse lived experiences within our leaders can allow for systemic issues faced within society to finally come forward. Courtney Walcott, a candidate for ward 8, says “when diversityis viewed as nothing more than representation, people who are trying to enforce diversity risk doing more harm than good.” This is why as citizens it is our job to not only encourage diversity but also to understand the deeper meaning of it within our society.
Often in Calgary, visible minority groups are not heard because of barriers that exist, such as language. This broken system is reflected in various aspects of our city such as transportation. Tudor Dinca, a candidate for ward 5 vows to fight against the barriers that many people face when it comes to public transportation. Ward 5 is home to many immigrants and first generation Canadians. Many of these citizens can face barriers that reduce their quality of life. This is a direct result of lack of diverse lived experiences within our leadership. Candidates who bring these lived experiences and the ability to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, are those who will implement real diversity in our city rather than shallow multiculturalism.
The lack of diverse representation in our leadership can help improve the quality of our own public services. Diversity within this election is about more than just race and culture, it is also reflected in age and gender. Sareen Singh, Ward 2 candidate believes that “it is absolutely necessary that we have a diverse group of representatives in not only race, gender but also age. In order for us to see the changes we need within the city we need a city hall that contains perspectives from all people”. Singh, one of the youngest candidates in the city, vows to bridge the gap between representatives and their constituents by listening to the diverse needs of his ward citizens. When there is a council that reflects the community, it also represents the needs individuals have. Lana Bently, Ward 6 councillor believes that “city initiatives should be “subject to a gender-based intersectional analysis”. There are unique needs to every marginalized group within society and those needs must be catered to by those in power.
Calgary needs leaders who understand the value and importance of diversity. As Courtney Walcott told me, “when we dedicate ourselves to it, diverse people bring immense value to all places we go, including politics.” Diversity is an important element of our society that holds the power to drastically change the lives of those living here. Keeping this in mind while voting for our leaders has the power to change the course of the future.
If you live in the city of Calgary and are eligible to vote, you can now request a mail-in ballot. According to Vote Elections Calgary, you are eligible to get a mail-in ballot if you have a disability or illness, you are working, vacationing or studying away from your home or you are an election worker, candidate, campaign worker or scrutineer. Ballots will be sent to addresses during the week of September 27 and you can submit your vote. For more information, visit https://www.calgary.ca/election/information-for-voters/special-ballot-mail-in-voting.html.
As with any election, the way we vote can have a profound impact on our communities and our personal lives as well. Voting for councillors who respect and value multiculturalism means that various multicultural aspects will be expressed within our society. Gurbir Najjar says that “Diversity is integral to a thriving society.” Which we must keep in mind when voting for our leadership. Having a diverse set of leaders means people with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds will bring their ideas to our city and allow us to celebrate multiculturalism in a beautiful way.
